Name: Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 4 h 35 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 50 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken tenders tendons removed; 5-6 cups vegetable oil for frying; 2 cups buttermilk; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup cornstarch; 1 ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika

If you’re craving that satisfying crunch and tender bite of perfectly fried chicken, then you’re going to love this Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe. It’s a spot-on copycat of Raising Cane’s famous chicken tenders that you can make right in your own kitchen—no drive-thru needed!

A food tray with crinkled fries piled in the top left corner, next to a small black bowl filled with light tan dipping sauce. A woman's hand holds a golden brown crispy fried chicken tender, dipping it into the sauce. Around the bowl and fries, several pieces of fried chicken tenders with crunchy, uneven, golden brown crusts are scattered, showing the varied texture. In the top right corner, a piece of toasted white bread with a golden surface sits on the tray. The tray is lined with white paper, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these tenders more times than I can count, and every single time they deliver that crave-worthy crispy crust with juicy, flavorful chicken inside. It’s the kind of comfort food that brings everyone running to the table.

Authentic Flavor: The secret marinade packed with spices gives the tenders that familiar, irresistible taste.
Perfectly Crispy: Double breading ensures a flaky, golden crust that stays crispy bite after bite.
Simple to Make: With easy-to-find ingredients and clear steps, homemade tenders are within reach.
Great with Sides: Pair with crinkle-cut fries and Cane’s Sauce for a Southern comfort meal everyone will love.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we dive in, gather your ingredients and make sure your chicken tenders are fresh and trimmed well. I like to keep the spice mix balanced so it hits all the right notes without overpowering the chicken’s natural flavor.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken tenders trimmed and neatly arranged, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy buttermilk, a simple white ceramic bowl of fine all-purpose flour, a white bowl holding smooth cornstarch powder, a small white bowl containing vibrant red paprika powder, a white bowl with ground black pepper, another small white bowl with onion powder, a white bowl with garlic powder, and a cluster of whole uncracked brown eggs, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken tenders: Choose fresh, high-quality tenders and remove tendons for tenderness and ease of eating.
Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Buttermilk: The magic marinade base that tenderizes and infuses flavor into the chicken.
Salt: Essential for seasoning inside the marinade and the breading.
Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth of flavor.
Onion powder: Brings a subtle, savory sweetness to the marinade and breading.
Garlic powder: Lends a warm, aromatic undertone throughout the coating.
Paprika: Provides color and a mild smoky flavor that brightens up the breading.
All-purpose flour: Creates the first layer of that classic crispy crust.
Cornstarch: The secret to an extra crunchy, light texture in the breading.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to spice things up, keep it classic, or adapt it for different dietary needs, you can make this recipe truly your own.

Spicy Kick: I like adding a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for an extra spicy punch that’s perfect for heat lovers.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use potato starch instead of cornstarch to keep the crispiest coating without gluten worries.
Oven-Baked Option: If you prefer a lighter version, after breading, you can bake the tenders at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway, for a crispy oven-baked treat.
Herb Infusion: Try incorporating dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary in the breading for a fragrant, aromatic twist.
Dipping Sauces: Beyond classic Cane’s Sauce, experiment with honey mustard, ranch, or spicy BBQ for a fresh dipping experience.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe

A close-up shows a woman's hand holding a single crispy golden-brown fried chicken strip, dipping it halfway into a small round black bowl filled with creamy light brown dipping sauce speckled with dark bits. The chicken strip texture is thick and crunchy with uneven crispy layers. Surrounding the bowl, on a white marbled surface, are several more fried chicken strips and crinkle-cut light golden fries. In the background, a small piece of golden cornbread is visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

Start by trimming the 2 pounds of chicken tenders, carefully removing any tendons for a tender bite. Place the cleaned chicken strips into a large bowl. Next, pour in the marinade—2 cups of buttermilk blended with salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss everything together until every tender is fully coated. Cover and let it rest in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or ideally up to 24 hours. This step is a game-changer, making the chicken super juicy and flavorful!

Step 2: Heat the Oil and Prepare Your Breading

When you’re ready to cook, pour 5 to 6 cups of vegetable oil into a large, deep pot—enough so the oil is about 2 inches deep. Heat it over high heat until it reaches 350°F. Meanwhile, combine the breading ingredients in a big bowl: all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to ensure that perfect balance of flavor and crispiness.

Step 3: Double Breading Magic

Time to coat your marinated chicken! Take one tender at a time out of the marinade, letting the excess drip back into the bowl. Dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing firmly so an even coating sticks. For that signature flaky crust, dip the tender quickly back into the marinade, then dredge once more in the flour. This double breading locks in moisture and delivers that irresistible crunch we all crave.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully place the breaded tenders into the hot oil in batches—don't overcrowd the pot, or the temperature will drop and the tenders won’t crisp up properly. Fry each batch for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the outside is a gorgeous golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part reaches 165°F for safe, juicy results. Once cooked, transfer the tenders to a baking pan lined with paper towels or a wire rack to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy Your Southern Comfort

Serve your crispy chicken tenders immediately while still warm and crunchy. They’re simply unbeatable paired with crinkle-cut fries and a tangy, creamy homemade Cane’s Sauce. Perfect for family dinners, game day, or whenever you need that cozy Southern comfort food fix.

Top Tip

Mastering the art of the Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe is all about the little details. Here are some tips from my kitchen to yours that will help you get that perfect crispy crunch and tender juicy bite every time.

Marinating Time Is Key: I’ve found that letting the chicken soak in that flavorful buttermilk marinade for the full 4 to 24 hours makes a world of difference. It tenderizes the meat and infuses those subtle spices deep inside.
Double Breading Magic: Pressing the flour mixture firmly onto the chicken, dipping back into the marinade, then re-coating really builds up that flaky, golden crust that’s downright addictive.
Oil Temperature Matters: Keeping the oil steady at 350 degrees Fahrenheit ensures the tenders cook evenly and the crust crisps without burning or absorbing excess oil.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature stable and avoid soggy spots. I used to rush frying all at once and it just didn’t crisp up right.

How to Serve Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe

A clear round bowl placed on a white marbled surface holds three pieces of raw light pink chicken tenders at the bottom. On top of the chicken, there are small piles of fine spices in colors of red, black, light beige, and white scattered mainly on the right side. A white creamy liquid is being slowly poured over the chicken from a glass measuring cup, partially covering the meat and spices. The textures show the smoothness of the cream and the roughness of the spices against the soft chicken. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley or chives sprinkled over the hot tenders add a lovely pop of color and a mild herbal brightness that complements the rich fried coating perfectly. For a tangy twist, serve with lemon wedges for squeezing.

Side Dishes

Classic crinkle-cut fries are the ultimate sidekick here — crispy and salty, they’re pure comfort. You can also add creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, or a crisp green salad to balance the meal with some fresh texture and flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooked, let your chicken tenders cool, then store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep in mind the breading will soften over time, but the flavors hold up beautifully.

Freezing

If you want to prep in advance, freeze your cooked tenders spread out on a wire rack for 2–3 hours first. Then transfer them to freezer bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. This helps them maintain their crispy texture when reheated.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in an air fryer at 360°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Alternatively, bake them in a 400°F oven for about 15 minutes, flipping once. While microwaving for 1–2 minutes is quicker, it tends to soften the crust.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk for the marinade?

While regular milk can work in a pinch, buttermilk’s acidity is what tenderizes the chicken and adds depth of flavor. For best results, stick with buttermilk or make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.

How do I ensure the chicken tenders are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F at the thickest part. This guarantees safe, juicy tenders without drying them out.

Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them, but they won’t be quite as crispy as frying. For baking, cook at 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, to get the best texture.

Can I freeze the tenders before cooking?

It’s best to freeze cooked tenders for optimal texture. However, if you freeze raw breaded tenders, cook them straight from frozen in an air fryer at 400°F for 12–15 minutes or bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Final Thoughts

Making this Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe at home has been such a rewarding experience for me — it brings all the comforting flavors of Southern fried chicken right to my kitchen. With a little patience and attention to detail, you get that perfect crispy crust and juicy inside that’s impossible to resist. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this classic done right with your favorite sides and dipping sauce. Happy frying!